Lukas Podolski’s Arsenal future has been the subject of much speculation this summer, with the German international now looking to be heading for the exit door at the Emirates.

Still to feature for the Gunners this season, the £35 million signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona has seen him become expendable under Arsene Wenger, and several clubs are now reported to be courting his signature.

The likes of Galatasaray, Juventus, Napoli, Olympiakos and Wolfsburg have all been linked to the 29-year-old in recent weeks but, according to Bild, the increasingly appealing MLS also remains a viable option.

Both the New York Red Bulls and expansion side New York City FC have been mentioned as possible suitors, but how likely is it that Podolski would become the next big-name star to make the switch across the pond?

For one, with the league’s international transfer window closed, a move would have to be put on hold until the winter, while sources are also understood to have told Empire of Soccer that the Red Bulls are not in the race for the World Cup-winning forward.

In addition, with a contract which isn’t set to expire until 2016, £100,000-per-week wages and a £10 million asking price, a potential deal for Podolski would have to be the largest MLS has ever orchestrated.

Manchester City-backed NYCFC could feasibly afford his services, but once has to question whether the former Bayern Munich man is a big enough draw in the States or influential enough on the pitch to warrant the sizeable investment for the league.

Furthermore, with Wolfsburg reported to have lodged a £9.5 million bid, and Juventus said to have opened talks over a potential loan move, it would be somewhat of a surprise were Podolski to spurn European football for the US, regardless of the league’s growing standard.

Having scored 12 times in 27 appearances for Arsenal last season, Podolski remains a useful option for any club, despite his past injury issues, but, while a move away from England looks likely, the chances of him ending up stateside appear slim at this point.

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.